Trash and Recycling Schedule for Somerset, MA

Somerset, Massachusetts has a regular trash and recycling collection schedule for residential homes to follow. This article provides details on trash, recycling, yard waste, and bulk item pickup in Somerset, including collection days, what materials are accepted, and how to properly set out waste and recycling bins.

Trash Collection

• Trash is collected weekly on Mondays for all Somerset residential homes.
• Trash should be placed curbside in barrels or trash cans no earlier than 5PM the day before and no later than 7AM on collection days.
• Trash containers should not exceed 32 gallons in size and 50 pounds in weight when full.
• Each household is limited to 1 barrel or 2 trash cans per week. Excess trash must have a sticker – contact the Highway Department for purchasing stickers.
• All trash must be bagged – no loose trash is allowed.
• Hazardous waste, electronics, tires, appliances, batteries, paint, and construction debris are prohibited from regular trash collection.

Recycling Collection

• Curbside recycling is collected weekly on Tuesdays in Somerset.

• Recyclables should be placed curbside in bins no earlier than 5PM the day before and by 7AM on collection days.

• Somerset provides one 95-gallon recycling cart to each household for free. Additional carts can be requested for $75 each.

• Accepted recyclables include:

  • Paper and cardboard
  • Metal food and drink cans
  • Plastic containers labeled #1-#7
  • Glass food and drink containers
  • Milk and juice cartons
  • Pizza boxes (no food residue)

• All recyclables can be mixed together in bins, no sorting required.

• Rinse food residue off containers but do not bag recyclables.

• Avoid contaminated recyclables with food or liquid.

Yard Waste Collection

• Yard waste is collected biweekly on Mondays from early April to early December.
• Accepted yard waste for pickup includes leaves, grass clippings, weeds, plants, twigs, branches up to 1 inch diameter.
• Yard waste must be placed in paper yard waste bags or open trash barrels labelled as “yard waste.”
• Brush, branches over 1 inch diameter, and stumps must be bundled with cotton or natural fiber twine – no wire or plastic bags.
• Bundles can be up to 4 feet long and 2 feet in diameter.
• Christmas trees are collected during the first 2 weeks of January on regular trash days.

Bulk Item Pickup

• Bulk items like furniture, mattresses, appliances, grills, etc. are collected monthly on the last Wednesday of the month.
• Items must be brought to the curb by 7AM on bulk pickup days.
• Call the Highway Department at least 24 hours in advance to schedule pickup of bulk items. Provide your name, address and the items being disposed.
• No household construction debris, tires, electronics, hazardous waste, or commercial waste is allowed.

Additional Collection Details

• All waste and recycling bins should be placed curbside and 3-5 feet apart from each other.
• Clearly label waste and recycling bins with your house number.
• Remove bins from curbside within 24 hours of collection.
• Collection services are not available on these holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. If the holiday falls on a Monday, all collections for that week are delayed by 1 day.

Hazardous Waste and Electronics

• Hazardous household chemicals, automotive fluids, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, propane tanks, and electronics cannot be disposed in regular trash.
• The Town hosts periodic hazardous waste collection events for proper disposal – check the event schedule.
• Electronics can be brought to the Highway Department on Brayton Point Road during open hours – Monday through Friday 7AM to 3PM. Call ahead to confirm they can accept your items.

Missed Pickups

For any missed trash, recycling, or yard waste pickups, contact the Highway Department at 508-646-2820 right away to schedule collection. Missed collections caused by the hauler will be picked up within 24 hours.

More Recycling and Disposal Options

Somerset residents have some additional options for waste disposal and recycling:

• Transfer Station: The Somerset Transfer Station on Brayton Point Road accepts trash, recycling, yard waste, some hazardous chemicals, and other miscellaneous items for a fee. Open Tuesday-Saturday 8AM-3PM.

• Somerset Food Scrap Collection: Food scraps and leftovers can be dropped off in special bins at the Transfer Station on Saturdays 8AM-12PM. This composting program reduces waste sent to landfills.

• Book Shed: Gently used books can be recycled at the Book Shed at the Transfer Station during normal hours. Take books you want for free or donate used books.

• Textile Recycling: Used clothing and other textiles can be donated at the green Planet Aid boxes located at the Transfer Station and other spots around town.

Key Contacts

• Highway Department – Trash, recycling, yard waste collection, bulk items, electronics drop-off

  • Phone: 508-646-2820
  • Address: 577 Brayton Point Rd

• Board of Health – Hazardous waste events, composting programs

  • Phone: 508-646-2837
  • Email: [email protected]

Following Somerset’s trash and recycling schedule correctly helps keep the town clean, reduces waste, and ensures collection services run smoothly. Check the municipal website at www.townofsomerset.org for the latest updates and information.